How to Use the Command 'vt' (with Examples)

VirusTotal (vt) is a powerful command-line interface tool used to interact with the VirusTotal platform. VirusTotal aggregates many antivirus products and online scan engines to check for viruses that the user’s antivirus may have missed, or to verify against any false positives. An API key from a VirusTotal account is necessary for using this command. This article explores various use cases of the ‘vt’ command to help users better understand its functionality and applications.

Use Case 1: Scan a Specific File for Viruses

Code:

vt scan file path/to/file

Motivation: Scanning a specific file for viruses is essential to ensure it does not contain any malicious content. It is a preventive measure often utilized by security professionals or cautious users before executing newly downloaded or received files.

Explanation:

• vt: This is the command-line tool for VirusTotal.
• scan: This instructs the tool to perform a scanning operation.
• file: This specifies that the operation will be conducted on a file.
• path/to/file: This is a placeholder indicating the location of the file you wish to scan. The user should replace it with the actual path where the file resides.

Example Output: The output will typically display the file’s hash, the number of antivirus engines that detected it as malicious, and a link to the detailed report on VirusTotal’s website.

Use Case 2: Scan a URL for Viruses

Code:

vt scan url url

Motivation: Scanning a URL is crucial before clicking a link or sharing it with others. It prevents exposure to potentially harmful websites that may host malware or phishing schemes.

Explanation:

• vt: Call to the VirusTotal command-line tool.
• scan: Commands the tool to conduct a scanning process.
• url: Specifies that the operation targets a URL.
• url: The URL that needs to be scanned for malware or other threats. Replace with the actual URL.

Example Output: The output provides a risk assessment of the URL, indicating whether it is flagged by any of the VirusTotal engines, along with a link to a detailed report.

Use Case 3: Display Information from a Specific Analysis

Code:

vt analysis file_id|analysis_id

Motivation: Accessing specific analysis results is vital for tracking changes in the threat landscape or understanding previous reports’ details. This is particularly useful for cybersecurity analysts monitoring ongoing threats.

Explanation:

• vt: Initiates the VirusTotal tool.
• analysis: Refers to fetching existing analysis results.
• file_id|analysis_id: Represents either a file identifier (hash) or a specific analysis identifier that you wish to retrieve. Choose the relevant ID based on your report interest.

Example Output: The output details the analysis summary, including threat names, detection engines results, and other metadata like the submission date and status.

Use Case 4: Download Files in Encrypted Zip Format (Requires Premium Account)

Code:

vt download file_id --output path/to/directory --zip --zip-password password

Motivation: Downloading files in an encrypted format is often needed for secure storage, transport, or compliance with data protection standards. Only premium account holders can access this feature.

Explanation:

• vt: References VirusTotal’s command-line interface.
• download: Specifies the intent to download a file.
• file_id: The identifier of the file you want to download.
• --output path/to/directory: Designates the directory where the downloaded file should be saved.
• --zip: Instructs to package the file in a ZIP archive.
• --zip-password password: Secures the ZIP file with a password, enhancing security. Substitute ‘password’ with a chosen secure password.

Example Output: A confirmation message with the downloaded file’s location. The file is storaged in a ZIP archive protected by the specified password.

Use Case 5: Initialize or Re-Initialize vt to Enter API Key Interactively

Code:

vt init

Motivation: Initializing or re-initializing the ‘vt’ tool is necessary when setting it up for the first time or changing the API key. This is crucial for users who need to switch accounts or regenerate API credentials.

Explanation:

• vt: Calls the VirusTotal CLI.
• init: Initiates the interactive prompt for API key input.

Example Output: Prompts the user to enter their API key, ensuring the tool can authenticate operations with the VirusTotal platform.

Use Case 6: Display Information About a Domain

Code:

vt domain url

Motivation: Checking domain information reveals potential reputational risks or history of reported malware. This is helpful for IT administrators evaluating the safety of external domains.

Explanation:

• vt: Activates the VirusTotal command-line functionality.
• domain: Specifies to fetch data associated with a domain.
• url: Represents the domain name to be queried.

Example Output: Information about the queried domain’s resolution history, malware presence, and other related metadata.

Use Case 7: Display Information for a Specific URL

Code:

vt url url

Motivation: Retrieving specific URL information aids in assessing security threats or verifying the URL’s safety before accessing it or embedding it in messages or applications.

Explanation:

• vt: Signifies the start of the VirusTotal command-line process.
• url: Denotes the focus on extracting data for a specific URL.
• url: Indicates the precise URL in question.

Example Output: Includes URL assessment results, historical data, scans by different engines, and links to detailed online reports.

Use Case 8: Display Information for a Specific IP Address

Code:

vt domain ip_address

Motivation: Assessing information on an IP address provides insights into its security posture, aiding in network defenses or IP threat assessments.

Explanation:

• vt: Initiates the VirusTotal command-line interface.
• domain: Used here to query information related to an IP address, as domains and IPs often use similar lookup functions.
• ip_address: The exact IP address requiring analysis.

Example Output: Provides details on the IP address, such as hosting malicious domains, history, and various statistics indicating its threat level.

Conclusion

The ‘vt’ command-line tool is a versatile and essential utility for cybersecurity professionals and users keen on maintaining digital safety. Each use case discussed provides different forms of threat intelligence, helping users assess, prevent, and respond to potential security risks effectively. By employing this tool’s functionalities, users can leverage VirusTotal’s expansive database to make informed decisions about file integrity and web security.